Helsingin Sanomat poll shows the PS heading south

A poll published today by Helsingin Sanomat reveals that the Perussuomalaiset (PS)* party is at its lowest point (15.9%) in two years. The most popular party in Finland continues to be the National Coalition Party (22.1%) followed by the Center Party (19.9%).

The Social Democrats, which are still struggling, are in the mid-teens (14.9%) with parties like the Left Alliance (9.3%), Greens (8.7%), Swedish People’s Party 4.5% and Christian Democrats (3.4%) trailing far behind.

Should we be surprised that matters are looking politically bleak for the PS?

Figuring out what the PS is and getting a coherent picture of what the party stands for is challenging for anyone. While it’s clear that the party is anti-EU, anti-immigration, homophobic, chauvinistic and especially anti-Islam, much of its energy has been spent to tone down its hate rhetoric but to stand for the same things.

The PS continues to be an openly hostile party against migrants and minorities. It would be wishful thinking on their behalf to think that some have short memories in this country.

The PS is in a near-constant state of animation trying out political images like a model changing clothes every few minutes. No matter how much it tries to change its image, the PS will end up committing political harakiri if it becomes too mainstream.

Even if the PS wants to look like a responsible mainstream party these days, it’s quite another matter if voters will buy it.

If the latest Helsingin Sanomat poll is anything to go by, the answer is a clear no.

The last three elections after the PS’ historic win in April 2011 are clear proof that something isn’t right. If the same trend continues in next year’s parliamentary elections, it will face a stinging – if not a mortal blow – to its chances to remain as one of Finland’s four largest parties.

The PS’s election fortunes after 2011 have been disappointing for the party.

* The Finnish name for the Finns Party is the Perussuomalaiset (PS). The English names of the party adopted by the PS, like True Finns or Finns Party, promote in our opinion nativist nationalism and xenophobia. We therefore prefer to use the Finnish name of the party on our postings.